India, Australia for more air connectivity

New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS) India and Australia are planning to increase air connectivity by operating more direct flights between the two countries, but only after the global economic situation improves.This was discussed at a meeting between Indian Tourism Minister Ambika Soni and her Australian counterpart Martin Ferguson here.

“Both the leaders felt that direct connectivity can be increased once the present situation of global meltdown improves,” a statement issued here said.

In 2007, 136,000 Australians travelled to India, while more than 80,000 Indians went to Australia in 2006.

Soni, who is also the minister of culture, raised the issue of travel advisories being issued by different countries from time to time, especially during natural calamities or terror strikes.

“Such advisories are not conducive to the growth of the tourism sector,” she said.

After listening to Soni, Ferguson promised to convey these sentiments to his government.

Soni also conveyed Ferguson the feelings of Indian film industry that Australia, a favourite location for Bollywood movies, could give incentives for Indian producers, a move that would help Australia’s tourism sector as well as India’s entertainment industry.

Both the leaders also agreed that clean technology must be made available to the developing countries for a better response to climate change.

Stressing the need for closer contact between the two countries in the tourism sector, the Australian minister said carbon tax on aviation was not good for tourism.